Kathmandu is a sprawling metropolis that reminds me of a cross between Cairo and Dhaka. With big truck, cars, motorcycles and scooters coming at you from all directions, you must really watch where you walk.
This city is a very colorful city with buildings painted different colors as well as very colorful dress for the men and women from the Hindu religion that dominates that country and the Buddhist minority. Many of the people here are a cross between SE Asian and Indian, which makes their skin and eyes very beautiful!!!! Of course you cant forget the on the road pictures around Kathmandu…
Our first stop was the UNESCO site Swayambhu Mahachaitya, which is one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu. However as religion is not an issue here for many people, it is still visited by Hindus by the thousands on a daily basis. A quick jaunt around here you will see people giving offerings and praying to the different shrines located in the premises.
Of course the temple has another name- “Monkey Temple.” Hundreds of Rhesus Macaque Monkeys inhabit this area and as I have experience with photographing them, they took me by surprise as they were actually jumping into a pool and swimming….
I thought I had seen it all until I was standing by a Stupa and low and behold a monkey had stolen an ice cream from someone and perched himself up on the base of the Stupa and ate the ice cream almost like a human while people watched in amazement…
Our last stop in Kathmandu was another UNESCO site named Hanuman-dhoka Durbar Square named for the famous Hindu hero Hanuman the Monkey God. This square was also home to the many kings of Nepal up until 10 years ago. Walking the streets here was amazing looking at all the architecture as well as the people. We were treated to a festival on a float as we rounded the corner which made for great photos and we were even thrown good luck charms…
